The researchers found that, compared with placebo, diacerein reduced HbA1c by 0.35% in the intention-to-treat analysis and by 0.41% in the per-protocol analysis. At the 24th week of treatment, the peak of effect occurred (−0.61 and −0.78 percent, respectively); the effect attenuated toward nonsignificant differences at the 48th week. Diacerein had no significant effect in other efficacy and safety measures. Sixty-five percent of patients receiving diacerein had diarrhea, and treatment was interrupted in 16%. Insulin dosage was reduced in 7 patients in the diacerein group, while dosage was increased for 10 patients in the placebo group.

"The drug was well tolerated and may be indicated as adjunct treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly in those with osteoarthritis," the authors write.